9 Polk State Student-Athletes Named To NJCAA All-Academic Team

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Athletic events won't return to Polk State College in Winter Haven until August, but nine student-athletes were recognized on Monday for their work in the classroom this past academic year.

Six Polk State baseball players and three soccer players were named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Academic Team. There was one first-team selection, three second-team selections and five third-team selections.

Polk State baseball was also named an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year for having a cumulative 3.0 gradepoint average. As a team, Polk State baseball posted a 3.186 GPA.

To qualify for the NJCAA All-Academic Team, student-athletes must have a GPA of 3.6 or greater for the academic year.

The criteria for each of the three teams is as follows:

• First team: 4.0 GPA
• Second team: 3.8-3.99 GPA
• Third team: 3.6-3.79 GPA

Making the first team was baseball infielder Carter Geier with a 4.0 GPA.

Making the second team were outfielder/first baseman Jack Duffy with a 3.84 GPA; soccer forward Logan Fernandez with a 3.84 GPA; and catcher Cole Griffith with a 3.8 GPA.

On the third team are soccer team forward Raisa Lugo with a 3.71 GPA; soccer team defender Cate Bako with a 3.67 GPA; baseball team outfielder Ray Mercer with a 3.66 GPA; baseball team pitcher Jacob Heath with a 3.64 GPA; and designated hitter/first baseman Nick Collins with a 3.6 GPA.